Pollution
Where can I go for advice on environmental water quality?
The Environment Agency is responsible for monitoring our bathing waters, waterways, dykes and ponds.
The Environment Agency routinely monitors the quality of certain designated bathing waters within the Borough. The samples are taken during the bathing season between May and September.
Bathing water profiles:
Where can I get advice on local air quality?
All local authorities have a legal duty to annually review air quality in their area. Pollutant levels are reviewed and assessed against government air pollution objectives set out in the national air quality strategy.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council monitors levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in the atmosphere.
As part of the review, the Council also considers other pollutants including sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, 1,3 butadiene and lead. Fortunately, the levels of these pollutants are currently negligible in the local air and are therefore not considered to be a problem.
You can find out about local air quality information from the Council's monitoring station on the Norfolk Air Quality website at Envista - Air Resources Manager (norfolkairquality.net).
Air Quality Reports
Through the Council's annual review of air quality, a report is submitted to DEFRA detailing the borough's air quality.
Further information
For more information on air quality, please follow the links below:
- air quality information from UK Air: Home - Defra, UK
- air quality information from the Clean Air Hub: Clean Air Hub: Clean Air Information
- guidance on fuels and stoves: Burn better: Making changes for cleaner air - Defra, UK
Where can I get advice about industrial pollution?
We enforce the Clean Air Act which prohibits the emission of dark smoke from industrial and commercial premises. Businesses must also ensure they do not cause a nuisance as described in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (opens new window).
Advice on commercial and industrial bonfires:
- Do not burn any material that creates dark smoke such as paints, plastics, tyres etc; this is likely to lead directly to prosecution
- Do not burn electrical cable to recover the metal
- Do not burn straw or stubble left in a field
The operator is under a duty of care to dispose of waste according to the law.
Please note:
- All building sites are commercial
- All agricultural land is commercial
How do I get a chimney height determination?
If you are planning to erect a chimney or flue you may need to get the Council to set a minimum height. Complete a chimney height application to find out.
Note: you may also need planning permission.
Where do I find out about permits for industrial processes?
Certain industrial processes require a permit to operate from us or the Environment Agency (opens new window).
We are required to keep a Pollution Prevention Control Permit Register.
We have a statutory duty to carry out appropriate consultations when we receive new applications, variations and transfers of permits.
Following a recent application for an exemption from waste operations, in regard to the treatment of waste brick, tiles and concrete by crushing, grinding or reducing in size, associated with the construction of the Third River Crossing, the following T7 exemption has been issued by Great Yarmouth Borough Council.
Are radiation levels monitored in the area?
We are a member of Norfolk Local Authorities Radiation Monitoring Group. The Government uses these findings to assess the national picture.
Radiation levels in East Anglia are some of the lowest in the country.
The Borough is not a recognised radon gas area.
Where can I find out information about cooling towers in the Borough?
We have a register of cooling towers.
You must notify us if you have a cooling tower or evaporative condenser and we will add your details to the register. Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992 provides a definition of notifiable devices.
The main purpose of these regulations is the control of Legionella and the investigation of Legionnaires' disease.
Where can I find information about the smoking ban?
It is an offence for people in England to smoke within an enclosed public space. All workplaces must display smoke-free signs. Contact Environmental Health if you need some signs for your workplace.
There are various penalties for smoking in a smoke-free workplace ranging from a £30 Fixed Penalty Notice to a £2,500 fine.
There are some exceptions to the Act; if you are unsure of your obligation, please contact us.
